US President Donald Trump has announced the postponement of a scheduled military attack on Iran, citing requests from Middle Eastern leaders and the emergence of what he described as “serious negotiations”. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated that a deal would be reached that is acceptable to the United States and all countries in the Middle East and beyond.
Trump credited Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for influencing his decision. “I have instructed Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Daniel Caine, and the US military that we will NOT be doing the scheduled attack of Iran tomorrow,” he wrote. However, he added that he had ordered them to be prepared for a “full, large scale assault” at a moment’s notice if an acceptable deal is not reached.
The announcement comes after days of escalating rhetoric, with Trump warning just a day earlier that the “clock is ticking” for Iranian officials. The US joined Israel in attacking Iran on February 28, triggering an ongoing war. Trump has argued the war is necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, a claim Tehran denies.
The proposed deal would reportedly include a ban on nuclear weapons for Iran, as well as limits on uranium enrichment, severing ties with regional allies, and dismantling its missile arsenal. Iran, meanwhile, demands the release of frozen assets and the lifting of economic sanctions. Control of the Strait of Hormuz remains a key sticking point, with Iran disrupting trade and the US imposing a naval blockade.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian responded defiantly on social media, stating, “Dialogue does not mean surrender. The Islamic Republic of Iran enters into dialogue with dignity, authority, and protection of the rights of the nation.” He insisted Iran would not retreat from its legal rights.
The war has become a political liability for Trump, with a New York Times poll showing 64% of US adults believe the decision to go to war with Iran was wrong. Pentagon officials estimate the conflict has cost at least $29 billion, with some experts suggesting a higher figure.
Analysts suggest Trump’s latest message is aimed at Gulf states like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, which have faced missile fire due to the war. Dania Thafer of the Gulf International Forum noted that these countries prioritize the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and addressing Iran’s missile program over the nuclear issue. “What they want is a solution to the crisis they are facing,” she said.
Source: www.aljazeera.com